New Year’s Resolutions – Dental Edition

January 1 means a new year, new adventures, and new promises. Often, you read about people’s promises to be a healthier, happier you. “I’m going to exercise every single day for the next year” or “I’m cutting sweets out of my diet this year.” Let’s be real— these aren’t realistic.

As a dentist, I hardly ever hear resolutions to improving oral hygiene (disappointing)! So here are 4 realistic and obtainable New Year’s Resolutions that you can easily implement to increase your health and happiness this year.

Use mouthwash

Did you know that even after brushing, there sometimes is extra gunk that sticks around in your mouth? Using mouthwash is a perfect way to give your mouth a rinse, loosen up and repel that gunk, and freshen up!

Pro Tips:

Use alcohol-FREE mouthwash

Bottles range between $3-6

Pick up an electric toothbrush

The key to effective oral hygiene is effective use of the right toothbrush. When people come into my office, I can tell when they use an electric toothbrush compared to a manual brush, because their teeth are almost always cleaner! An electric toothbrush is not only more fun to use, it’s easier, and can minimize or eliminate staining of teeth.

Pro Tips:

You can pick up an electric brush for under $10

Replace the heads every three months

Great idea for children— kids love new toys

Fantastic for elderly— easier to hold and use

Brush your tongue

You’re already in your mouth brushing your teeth anyway… why not brush your tongue too? Brushing your tongue can save you from awkward bad breath encounters and get rid of the bacteria that builds up on it.

Pro Tips:

Brush your tongue for at least 15 seconds

Avoid certain foods and drinks

Okay, so this one might be a little harder than the others— we all have our favorite foods and staying away from them can be hard! Avoiding these foods though can be the difference between a minor and a major dental visit.

Pro Tips:

Ice is for chilling, not for chewing – your teeth are vulnerable. Chewing ice can chip your teeth!

Too much coffee can kill you — okay, maybe not kill you, but it can stain your teeth, dry your mouth, and that sugar can eat away at your teeth.

Limit your sugary drinks — soda, alcohol, and sports drinks all contain incredible amounts of sugar. If you want to drink them, be sure to brush your teeth afterwards! It could save you from a pesky cavity.

So there you have it, folks—four New Year’s Resolutions you can easily adapt to improve your overall health and wellbeing.

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